Perceived Health Status of Elders Treated with Opioid Therapy for Persistent Nonmalignant Pain

Simons, Leslie E.

Saturday, 16 November 2013

Leslie E. Simons, RN, BSN, MS
Pain Management Center of Lansing, Anesthesia and Pain Management Consultants, Lansing, MI

Learning Objective 1: Describe the association between persistent nonmalignant pain treated with opioids, with health status and functionality in those aged 65-84.

Learning Objective 2: Identify the association of gender, ethnicity, and depression on perceived health and functinality in elders with persistent pain.

Background/Significance: The percentage of Americans 65 years and older is considered the fastest growing portion of the United States population and by 2030 the number of U.S. adults aged 65 years or older will more than double to approximately 71 million (CDC, 2009). It is estimated that approximately 80% of older adults have at least one chronic condition, and 50% have at least two. These chronic conditions are often associated with persistent pain and impaired functional status. Unmanaged persistent pain in elders is associated with adverse health outcomes and greater healthcare costs. Currrent pain management guidelines recommend opioid therapy for elders with functional impairment or decreased quality of life. Although treatment with opioids in this subgroup has been shown to decrease pain intensity and improve quality of life, opioids are rarely prescribed by providers.

Aim: To explore the percieved health status of elders with persistent nonmalignant pain treated with opioids.

Methods: This exploratory descriptive correlational study recruited a purposive sample of thirty elderly men and women aged 65-84, who were receiving care from a community based pain management office in the mid-Michigan area. Participants were English speaking, living independently, and receiving treatment for persistent nonmalignant pain with opioids for at least six months. Potential volunteers were excluded if they had a current cancer diagnosis or evidence of moderate cognitive impairment defined as a score of less than five on the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire. A semistructured interview was used for data collection and included sociodemographic data, assessment of cognitive status, pain intensity, depression, functional status, and perceived health (using the Short Form 12).

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